Latest news with #IskandarZulkarnainZainuddin
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Iskandar returns to BAM in a different role
KUALA LUMPUR: Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin has been entrusted by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to take charge of the national women's singles squad. The former world No. 23, who has been coaching with Badminton Ireland, has been appointed as head coach of the department and will begin his duties on Oct 1 at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara. "It feels great to return to BAM — not as a player this time, but as a coach ready to give back," said the 34-year-old. "It means a lot to be able to contribute to the sport I love, in the place where it all began for me," he added. "My journey in Ireland taught me so much, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to apply those lessons here. I see potential in our women's singles players, and my focus will be on building their confidence, sharpening their tactical and physical awareness, and supporting them to break through at the international level." As the head of Ireland's national singles programme since 2021, Iskandar was instrumental in helping the country qualify two singles players — Nhat Nguyen and Rachael Darragh — for the Paris 2024 Olympics. It was a breakthrough achievement for the European nation. His return marks a significant move by BAM to rejuvenate its women's singles department, which has seen limited success in recent years. Currently, only K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching are competing regularly on the World Tour, albeit mainly at lower-tier events. It remains to be seen if Iskandar can weave his magic, but his blend of international coaching experience and homegrown roots is seen as a positive addition to the national setup. BAM's singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen believes Iskandar's appointment comes at the right time. "Our women's singles squad is in a crucial phase of transition, and we believe Iskandar is the right person to guide the players, helping them build belief and resilience while pushing for consistent performances on the world stage," said Kenneth. As a player, Iskandar was runner-up at the 2016 Malaysia Masters, helped Malaysia win bronze at the 2016 Thomas Cup and the 2014 Asian Games, and was crowned Asian Junior champion in 2009. He also clinched double silver — in the boys' singles and mixed team events — at the same year's World Junior Championships.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Ex-national shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain returns to BAM as singles coach
FORMER national player Iskandar Zulkarnain rejoins BAM as singles coach, bringing experience from Ireland. Starts duties on Oct 1. The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has appointed former national men's singles player Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin as a singles coach. The 33-year-old will officially begin his role on October 1. BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz confirmed the appointment during a press conference at Akademi Badminton Malaysia. 'Negotiations were ongoing, and finally last week we managed to finalise. He will be coming back from Ireland,' he said. Reports had previously surfaced that BAM offered Iskandar Zulkarnain a coaching position, which the shuttler himself acknowledged, though he was unsure of the exact role. Iskandar Zulkarnain, a 2016 Malaysia Masters runner-up, has been coaching Ireland's badminton squad since 2022. Under his guidance, men's singles player Nhat Nguyen secured a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Before his full-time coaching stint, he served as Nguyen's training partner for major tournaments.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Iskandar joins BAM as singles coach
KUALA LUMPUR: The BA of Malaysia's search for a national singles coach is over. Former national shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin will take up the post from Oct 1. BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz confirmed today the appointment of Iskandar, who is currently Ireland's head coach. "We have a new coach, Iskandar, to support the singles team. He will be returning from Ireland and will join us on Oct 1," said Tengku Zafrul. Iskandar, 34, who was the 2009 World Junior Championships runner-up and a 2016 Thomas Cup team member, first joined Ireland as a sparring partner in September, 2021 while still active on the World Tour. However, the Kuala Lumpur-born Iskandar decided to retire and became Ireland's national coach in the same year. Ireland was also impressed with his services and signed a contract with him until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Iskandar, whose work had been commended by national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen, will fill the spot left vacant by Indonesian Jeffer Rosobin in February. BAM secretary Datuk Kenny Goh said Iskandar will guide the Ireland squad for the World Championships in August before moving back to Malaysia. Earlier, BAM also had Chong Wei Feng on their radar but the former Sea Games champion had decided to continue focusing on his private academies in the Klang Valley.
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Iskandar Zulkarnain to return as BAM singles coach
KUALA LUMPUR: Former shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin will join the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as singles coach from Oct 1. BAM managed to persuade Iskandar to leave his current position as Ireland coach. "We have appointed Iskandar to strengthen our singles coaching team. He will join on Oct 1," said BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh, adding that singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen would decide if Iskandar would guide the women's or men's singles. BAM had been on the lookout for a replacement for women's singles coach Jeffer Rosobin after the Indonesian resigned at the end of February. The 33-year-old Iskandar, who started coaching in Ireland four years ago, has been instrumental in the rise of men's singles player Nhat Nguyen, who is now ranked No. 31 in the world, and has helped elevate the profile of Irish badminton. Under his guidance, Ireland qualified two players for the Paris Olympics last August, namely Nguyen and women's singles shuttler Rachael Darragh, marking a major milestone for the country.
Barnama
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
Iskandar Confirms BAM Approach For Coaching Role
KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- Ireland badminton team's singles head coach Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin has confirmed that he has been approached by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to join their ranks. However, the former Malaysian men's singles player could not confirm the position offered to him by the national governing body. 'Someone (from BAM) did contact me, but let's see how things go. I still have a contract (with Ireland) until 2028. bootstrap slideshow 'I need to consider what my goals are. Nhat Nguyen (Ireland's men's singles shuttler) is still young. I also need to discuss with my family, as they are all in Ireland, and I have to see what's best,' he said when met at the Malaysia Masters 2025 at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, yesterday. Iskandar, 33, said he is determined to prove himself as a coach, especially after raising Nguyen's level of play to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Iskandar, who has been coaching in Ireland since 2022, also hopes to produce players capable of winning medals at future European Badminton Championships. If he serves out his contract, he wants to help Ireland break the European badminton dominance long held by Denmark, England and France. 'We've also started a junior programme, with players training in the morning and evening. I hope with this development programme, we can go further,' he said. -- BERNAMA
